I was reincarnated as the carefree duke’s second son, and somehow, my random remarks got me treated like a hero
Now that I’ve encountered the protagonists of the story, I need to clearly define my position.
The main story revolves around the war that breaks out after they graduate from the academy.
It all begins with Prince Brid’s usurpation of the empire.
Brid kills his elder brother, the crown prince, overthrows the emperor, and ascends to the throne in the manner most favorable to the empire.
Brid is not just a madman; he possesses wisdom, strategy, valor, and ambition. With his charisma, he wins over half of the nobility.
He then demonstrates his high capabilities, seizes part of the kingdom, and rewards the nobles with new lands, ensuring their loyalty.
Furthermore, he appoints the sons of nobles to new positions. Although he simply filled the vacancies left by those he killed, the empire successfully undergoes a major transformation.
However, Ice, the prince of the kingdom, opposes this.
He had long been at odds with Brid. When the kingdom’s lands were plundered, he formed an anti-empire alliance, creating an organization representing the kingdom.
This leads to the formation of the empire and the kingdom—or rather, the anti-empire alliance—and the conflict gradually spreads across the entire continent.
“War stories are fun to read, but when they’re right in front of you, they’re terrifying.”
I want to remain an observer, but I also want to survive.
I think that way, but since the character Fly Eltor hasn’t appeared yet, there’s a risk I might die before the war even starts.
In other words, there’s a high chance I could die within this academy.
“Sigh, the academy’s depiction is quite sparse in the novel. The word ‘academy’ only appears in fragments of memories, like ‘Ah, that conflict from back then!'”
After returning to the mansion, I tried to recall and write down the story, but having been reincarnated into this world for about fifteen years, my memories have become quite hazy.
“I remember the general outline, but the details are unclear.”
I’ve written down what I can recall now. More importantly, since I only read up to a certain point before I died, it’s impossible for me to understand everything.
“Well, how will academy life turn out? It’s a bit unsettling, but just the thought of attending a school in another world is exciting. Plus, the people from the novel are actually alive in this world. A dream I had before I died has come true. Whether they’re villains or heroes, I want to cherish the time I spend with these characters.”
However, there’s one more important factor in this story that I can’t forget.
“The Thirteen Holy Marks. I wonder who possesses them?”
Even in a fantasy world of swords and magic, those destined to be protagonists always have their own unique weapons.
The reason Brid Slayer Harkens could become emperor.
It’s not just his charisma.
The only power that surpasses magic.
The Holy Marks rewrite reality.
“Fly-sama? Shall we have dinner soon?”
“Yeah, got it.”
Elizabeth came to call me, so I stopped my thoughts.
I wonder why Elizabeth is the one calling me, but it’s because she’s Eric’s fiancée, and my father decreed that since she’ll be part of the family in the future, she should live in the same mansion.
Does he not think I might make a mistake and lay hands on the two of them? Well, as a reincarnated person, I have my rationality, but someone should really scold the overly defenseless Count Eulheim sisters.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, you both look beautiful even in casual clothes.”
“Hehe, really?”
“Elizabeth-chan, that’s great.”
“Onee-sama, please don’t say unnecessary things.”
It’s nice that the sisters get along well. Just having beautiful sisters in light clothing eating with me is, well, undoubtedly a happy space for me.
“Hey, tomorrow’s the first day, but I have some business to take care of, so I’ll be skipping school. Sorry, but could you get my textbooks for me?”
“Where are you going?”
“Yeah, there’s something I can only do on the first day. Sorry, but could you do this for me?”
“Understood.”
I thought she’d press for a reason, but Elizabeth agreed without asking anything.
I was surprised by her unexpected reaction, but Irene explained.
“We trust in whatever Fly-sama does. Even if Fly-sama were to become a great sinner, we would stand by your side.”
“Irene-san.”
“Onee-sama, that’s too cool. We, the Eulheim sisters, have devoted our bodies and lives to Fly-sama.”
I can’t win against them. They’re such strong women, and being trusted this much, I can’t betray them.
So, I want to have enough power to protect them.
Even if I end up dying during this academy life, I want to protect them and earn Eric’s praise.
“Thank you, both of you. Then, I’ll leave tomorrow to you.”
“Yes!!”
They always reply so obediently; it’s adorable.
◇
The first day of academy enrollment.
“Haah~! Finally free~!”
Honestly, it was exhausting being followed around by beautiful sisters both at home and at the academy. I want some freedom too.
For that, I don’t mind skipping school. After all, I’m a playboy.
“Well, since I’ve come all the way from the territory to a different city, why not explore the academy town?”
Even in an academy town, the people who work here eat and drink. So, it’s not a problem for students to drink.
Of course, causing incidents is a problem, but it’s not like I’ll get drunk and make a scene.
“Dine and dash!”
Even in an academy town, things like this happen.
“Haha, good way to kill time. Body enhancement.”
The attribute-less is pure energy itself. By enveloping my body with it, I can forcibly enhance my strength and muscles.
Using that, I can exert several times more power.
“Yo.”
“Huh?!”
I cut in front of the dine-and-dasher, and when I saw her face, she turned out to be a cute girl. And a beastkin at that.
“Dine and dash is a crime, you know.”
“I don’t care! I don’t have any money!”
“Is that so? Then I’ll pay, so let’s go apologize.”
“Huh?! Are you stupid?”
“Because you dined and dashed, the shop owner lost the cost of one meal.”
“Just one meal!”
She looked confused and tried to back away.
“What if many people did the same? What if others also dined and dashed while the owner was chasing you? Eventually, the owner would have to close the shop. But if you pay properly, the shop won’t go under. Do you want to ruin that shop?”
The girl, pondering my words, stopped and shook her head.
“If you’re hungry, I’ll help you. But let’s apologize and pay the owner. I’m a playboy who enjoys giving out money as a hobby.”
“Are you stupid?! …But I’ll go back. Will you really pay?”
“Yeah.”
I took her back to the owner and handed over a gold coin.
“Here.”
“My companion was rude.”
“No! You’re an academy student, right? And an imperial noble? You’re not responsible. She’s clearly a beastkin.”
“This happened within the empire’s territory. I apologize for the trouble. Please forgive her.”
“Sigh… understood. As long as we get paid.”
The owner forgave her, and I smiled at the beastkin girl.
She silently bowed her head.
“Well then.”
I left her and headed to a tavern.
“Wait, your name… tell me.”
“Huh? Oh, right. Fly Eltor. If you’re hungry, use my name to eat. Just put it on my tab. See you.”
This time, I left the beastkin girl behind and went for a drink.
